News & Events

Student presents research to House of Representatives

Jessica Amenta, a senior Biology major, was recently invited to present her research to the House of Representatives in Harrisburg on March 23, 2010. Her research, titled "Intraspecific Differences in Heat Loss Behavior Under Identical Climatic Conditions," addresses potential mechanisms by which species may respond to climate change.

Amenta was competitively selected as one of four students to represent Penn State at this event. She and 47 other students statewide presented posters of their undergraduate research, met with legislators, and were announced on the floor of the House of Representatives as the best and the brightest in the state.

In addition to being honored last Tuesday, back in November Jessica was awarded the Best Student Poster Award for this work at the International Meeting of the Waterbird Society, a professional society designated to the scientific study of waterbirds.

Amenta is currently working with Dr. Jennifer Arnold, Assistant Professor of Biology, on a manuscript on the study described in the poster and is planning on joining her in the field during the summer.

For more information, contact Dr. Arnold at 610-396-6174 or via e-mail at jma25@psu.edu.